On more than one occasion I have used these columns to talk about fair play, the spectacle of an event , the passion and everything associated with sports fans. Well, today I have the pleasure of writing to you from the stands of the Sports Arena in Murcia watching a live match between UCAM Murcia and FC Barcelona, two of the most outstanding teams of this year’s ACB Basketball League, also known as the Endesa League.
It is quite an experience to enjoy the atmosphere that is felt in the Sports Arena during every UCAM match . There´s a wonderful party atmosphere and the fans have a tireless passion completely dedicated to their team. A fan base that really is worthy of a team that competes in European competitions. Fans who are envied by many of UCAM`s rival teams.
And if the UCAM supporters are envied, in addition to their indefatigable spirits, it is for the respect that they invariably show the opposing team. For the way they undoubtedly understand and enjoy the great sport of basketball. Fans capable of cheering on their team for 40 minutes – deafening, joyous and never shouting offensive chants or being unsportsmanlike.
These fans show something that I have always believed in and defended: you can enjoy a sport, you can cheer on your team, you can create an incredible, unique atmosphere in the stands without resorting to insults, threats or any kind of violence.
Let’s learn from their example. Let’s learn that supporting your team does not justify insulting or disrespecting their opponents. Let’s try to change the idea that just by buying a ticket justifies being able to shout from the stand any kind of atrocity we feel like. Let’s learn once and for all that insulting the opposing team is not encouraging your team. Let us learn that disrespectfulness or insults is absolutely unjustifiable, no matter much players may or may not be accustomed to hearing abuse from the stand while still retaining their professionalism.. Receiving insults or threats is not part of the job description of an athlete. A sportsman earns his living by preparing himself every day to be the best he can in a competition, not to put up with lunatics who vent their daily frustrations while protecting their anonymity by being part of the crowd.
Let’s follow this example, let’s follow this way.. Let us identify those people who taint sport by using a sporting event to insult or disrespect the athletes. Because that is not being a fan, that is not encouraging your team or following sport with passion. It’s just being offensive and rude.
Let us benefit from the example of the fans that we have in UCAM CB Murcia. Let all other teams and sports follow their example. By doing so, we will be envied throughout Spain, because at last we will be able to attend sporting events and enjoy them.
Congratulations to the fans of UCAM Murcia- the best fans in Spain